Russia’s recent military incursion into the Crimea has brought a level of attention to the northern Black Sea region rarely seen over the last couple of centuries. This corner of the northern Black Sea is generally not a source of daily global news. Nonetheless, when the world’s focus is drawn to Crimea, it seldom disappoints. Continue reading Crimea, Central Asia, & Russia: Cheat Sheet Part One→

Last week, I had the good fortune to participate in the conference “China and Russia: Architects of New Global Order” organized by the Kansas University Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies (CREEES) and the Foreign Military Studies Office (FMSO) at Fort Leavenworth. The wide spectrum of research presented (more on this in a moment) was well complimented by the diversity of panelists with academia, the Defense Department, and various thinks tanks all well represented.Continue reading KU/Fort Leavenworth Conference: “China and Russia: Architects of a New Global Order?”→

Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Moscow – only eight days after his installation as president of China, and his first foreign visit as Zhongnanhai’s new laoban(boss) – has resulted in extensive commentary concerning the current state of Sino-Russian ties, the implications of the “strategic partnership” for the United States, and myriad lists of historic and contemporary irritants which could either buttress or derail the relationship. Continue reading Sorting out Sino-Russian Relations and Central Asia: 欢迎! Добро пожаловать! Welcome!→